[STOCK, MECHJEB, CART MOD] Metis-class Exploration and Scout Planes

[AlternNocturn]

UPDATE: 8/23/2012

-Removed Aircraft Lights mod

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Hello! I'm here to present my newest fleet of exploration planes, the Metis-class. Originally, they were built to study the Kerbin Monoliths, so to do that I needed the versatility of a rover but with the speed, range, and mobility of a plane. Therefore, I built these vehicles to do the job.

Why "Metis"?

"Metis" is the Greek goddess of "wisdom", "skill", and "craft". The Metis-class is designed to help Kerbal-kind become wiser by allowing them explore anything, anywhere.

How does it do that?

Simple. Each Metis-class vehicle is equipped with a small, MechJeb-powered probe (see below). The smaller vehicles carry a Cupid rover that, when released, slowly parachutes down to the ground. The larger vehicles carry a rocket-powered lander, also equipped with a parachute. The upside to landers instead of rovers is you have better control of where they land. The downside, they're much heavier since they carry fuel, and therefore require a much bigger lifter. They also can't move around once they touch down. Choose one as you see fit.

How many vehicles are there?

So far, the fleet consists of three vehicles, but more will be developed as they're needed. Eventually, I plan to have the Metis-class expand to include off-world locales such as Eve. The vehicle will be used to lift rockets outside of the purple planet's thick atmosphere to return home.

Without further ado, the vehicles:

"Metis Medium-Range Scout Vehicle"

The MRSV is useful for missions on the current continent, and possibly slightly beyond. It's equipped with a small Cupid rover that, when released, slowly parachutes down to the target. Make sure to deploy the wheels before you hit the ground, since the suspension of the wheels absorbs the shock of the 4 m/s landing.

"Metis Long-Range Scout Vehicle"

The LRSV is simply a long range version of the MRSV. One of the fuel tanks is replaced with a structural fuselage, and a larger tank was added near the back. (pssst, I don't actually know if the LRSV can fly farther than the MRSV, but just go with it)

"Metis Heavy Lift Exploration Vehicle"

The HLEV is a larger vehicle capable of lifting a small lander full of fuel. It's modular as well due to the relatively flat back, so it can hold a number of different payloads. Modifications such as replacing the center structural fuselage with rocket fuel and a toroidal engine may even allow for an HLEV to reach orbit on a single stage, although this is untested. WARNING: The HLEV isn't as well balanced as the other planes, so take care when handling it.

NOTE: After deploying the probe, immediately switch to it with 'Right Bracket'. The plane will disappear, but you can just imagine it flew off to land and refuel.

You may modify these anyway you see fit. Make them your own. Use them together, use them in peace.

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Edited August 24, 2012 by AlternNocturn